Benchmark Heating Installer Insurance & Risk Guide
The Benchmark scheme places responsibility on heating installers to correctly install, commission and maintain boilers and heating systems. These obligations come with significant liability exposure — meaning the right insurance is essential.
This Benchmark Installer Insurance & Risk Guide, written by SRS Insurance, covers:
- The major risks Benchmark installers face
- Essential insurance protections
- Typical claim examples
- Common insurance exclusions
- How to protect your business from expensive damage claims
This guide is not compliance or audit guidance.
It is insurance and risk education for Benchmark installers.
Key Risks for Benchmark Heating Installers
Heating engineers face some of the most frequent and severe claims in the property trades.
1. Boiler Installation & Commissioning Errors
Incorrect commissioning can lead to:
- Flue failures
- Overheating
- Pressure issues
- Combustion faults
- System contamination
Claims often exceed £10,000–£50,000.
2. Water Damage & Flooding
The #1 claim for heating installers.
Caused by:
- Faulty joints
- Incorrect fittings
- Leaking valves
- Cylinder installation errors
- System pressurisation issues
Water damage in a property can cost £15,000–£75,000+.
3. Flue & Ventilation Risks
Incorrect flue routing or poor ventilation can cause:
- Fire
- Structural heat damage
- CO hazards
- Condensation issues inside walls
4. Hot Works Fire Risk
Soldering and brazing can ignite:
- Floors
- Stud walls
- Insulation
- Carpets
- Roof spaces
Hot works are among the largest and most severe claims in heating.
5. System Failure & Breakdown Liability
Examples:
- Incorrect pump installation
- Faulty zone valves
- Poor heating layout
- Pipework blockages
- Wrong performance calculations
Customer claims often arise shortly after installation.
6. Property Damage During Works
Caused by:
- Access damage
- Drilling
- Removing old boilers
- Lifting floors
- Cutting tiles or walls
“Property being worked upon” cover is critical.
Essential Insurance Covers for Benchmark Installers
1. Public Liability Insurance (PL)
Covers injury or property damage caused during your work.
PL for Benchmark heating installers should include:
- Boiler installation
- Heating system work
- Hot works
- Flue installation
- Water damage
- Resulting damage
- Appliance replacement
Recommended limits:
- Domestic-only: £2m–£5m
- Commercial: £5m–£10m
2. Professional Indemnity Insurance (PI)
Benchmark installers take responsibility for:
- Commissioning
- System design
- Specifying boilers
- Flue/ventilation assessment
- System performance advice
- Documentation accuracy
PI protects against:
- Incorrect calculations
- Faulty advice
- Wrong boiler specification
- Commissioning errors
- Compliance/reporting errors
Recommended limits: £250k – £1m
3. Employers’ Liability Insurance (EL)
Legally required for anyone employing:
- Staff
- Apprentices
- Labour-only subcontractors
- Trainees
Legal minimum: £10m.
4. Tools & Equipment Insurance
Heating installers carry:
- Expensive diagnostic equipment
- Press tools
- Power tools
- Leak detection equipment
Van tool theft is extremely common.
5. Contract Works Insurance
Important for:
- Boiler replacements
- Heating system installations
- Bathroom/heating renovations
- New build fitouts
Protects materials & work in progress from damage.
Common Insurance Mistakes Benchmark Installers Should Avoid
No hot works cover
Policies excluding soldering/brazing are unsuitable for heating engineers.
No water damage protection
This is the primary cause of claims in heating.
Incorrect trade descriptions
Your policy must list:
- Heating installation
- Boiler installation
- Hot works
- Plumbing
Generic “handyman” or “builder” descriptions are dangerous.
Thinking PL is enough
If you design, specify or commission — PI is crucial.
Policies excluding flue work
Some insurers exclude:
- Flue installation
- Ventilation work
Heating installers must avoid these exclusions.
No cover for subcontractors
Labour-only subcontractors must be included under your policy’s EL.
‘Property worked upon’ exclusions
This exclusion means the insurer may not cover:
- Boiler damage
- Heating pipework
- Cylinders
- Walls, tiles or flooring affected during works
Installers must avoid this exclusion.
Typical Claims Faced by Benchmark Heating Engineers
Water Damage (£20,000–£60,000)
Faulty joint on return pipe floods property.
Hot Works Fire (£25,000–£90,000)
Soldering ignites insulation behind wall.
Flue Failure (£10,000–£40,000)
Incorrect flue angle or terminal siting.
Boiler Breakdown Claim (£10,000–£35,000)
Incorrect commissioning leads to appliance failure.
Tool Theft (£1,500–£8,000)
Van break-in.
Accidental Property Damage (£1,000–£10,000)
Damage caused while removing old systems.
Recommended Insurance Checklist for Benchmark Installers
Benchmark installers should ensure their policies include:
- Heating installation cover
- Boiler installation & replacement
- Hot works cover
- Water damage
- Flue & ventilation work
- Commissioning PI cover
- Tools & equipment
- Employers' Liability (if applicable)
- Public Liability £2m–£10m
- “Property worked upon” cover
This is risk protection, not scheme compliance.
Why Benchmark Installers Choose SRS Insurance
- Specialists in heating & boiler installer insurance
- Proper hot works & water damage cover
- A-rated insurers
- Installer-focused policy wording
- Fast documentation
- Tools cover available
- Suitable for small domestic installers and larger heating companies
We insure heating engineers nationwide.
